New Political Order? Anti-Tinubu Bloc Ramps Up Pre-Election Mobilisation

Leaders of the proposed anti-Tinubu coalition pushing for the registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), have begun mass mobilisation efforts across Nigeria, according to sources close to the movement. The group, made up of prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Dr. Umar Ardo of the League of Northern Democrats, submitted an application for party registration to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and remains hopeful of approval.

Despite this, multiple insiders say the movement is still in flux, with wide-ranging consultations underway across all six geopolitical zones. The aim is to attract political stakeholders disillusioned with the current state of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While the PDP leadership has publicly ruled out any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, sources say key figures within the PDP, APC, and Labour Party (LP) are actively involved in the coalition efforts.

Initially, the coalition explored the possibility of joining an existing party, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) both vying for attention. However, concerns over internal crises and unresolved litigations within these parties led to a push for a fresh political platform. In a letter to INEC, Chief Akin A. Rickets, the ADA’s Protem National Chairman, formally requested registration of the new party.

Nonetheless, not all within the coalition agree on this approach. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, a key figure in the movement, said there is not enough time to register and stabilise a new party before the 2027 elections. Lawal confirmed that the coalition has now opted to merge with an existing political party, citing the need for urgency and structure. He explained that several parties were assessed, but most were plagued with internal or legal issues. Eventually, one was deemed suitable, though he did not name it.

Lawal also criticised Dr. Usman Ardo for attempting to independently register the ADA while allegedly misrepresenting the involvement of senior figures like Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai, and Peter Obi. “Ardo has been using prominent names without authorisation. While he is free to pursue his own political vision, it should not be confused with our coalition’s direction,” Lawal said.

He added that the coalition, which includes former APC members, ex-ministers from the Buhari administration, and other political heavyweights, is proceeding strategically. Lawal noted that the coalition is not joining a party as a bloc but as individuals, aiming to reshape the political landscape.

He also pointed to the potential fallout from PDP’s internal power struggle, especially if Nyesom Wike asserts control. “If Wike takes over, 90% of PDP members will likely leave. They won’t join the APC, but they will join us,” Lawal said, suggesting that internal conflicts in both major parties could fuel growth for the coalition.

Lawal reaffirmed that the coalition is committed to building a strong and inclusive platform that can offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027. He dismissed conflicting narratives as either misinformed or intentionally misleading, saying, “We believe this is the most practical and strategic path forward.”